Late lunch in Manasquan Area

I will be in the Manasquan area for a job interview tomorrow (04-05-12) and plan to eat lunch in that area. So What's around? I haven't been in that area for a number of years. Pretty much anything goes, love Asian and ethnic. But No Italian. I am familiar with the Brick area, so you can leave places from there out.Any good stores like Whole food s near by? If I'm going to be in that area, might as well make the gas use count. :-)

Well, Quine, for you, I wish I had a better answer. I'm afraid this is not a 'hound friendly area for lunch. The "No Italian" limitation took away fifty percent of the eateries in town. (I once counted a dozen spots for pizza in this roughly mile square.)

Between the Borough proper and the immediately surrounding communities, there are several Asian eateries. Two Chinese, one Japanese, one Thai, and one that does "all of the above." They are all quite mediocre, but if you really need a fix of something in that category, Siam Basil on 35 in Wall, just north of Sea Girt Avenue, is the best in a weak class.

There is a Mexican spot called Cielito Lindo (sp?) on 71 in Manasquan. My guess is that it will pale in comparison to your beloved Senor Frog.

If you're willing to travel a bit further north, you might find yourself a little food geek fun. First, there is 10th Avenue Burrito in Belmar. See, http://tenthaveburrito.com/ Then, in Asbury Park, there is Frank's Deli on Main Street for pastrami and corned beef made in-house. It's one of the few remnants of old AP flavor. Just west of Asbury, in Ocean, is the Wegman's market. It's better than the average supermarkets and worth a stop if you've never been to one of their stores.

Well, in Belmar, there is Kilen's and Mr. Shrimp. The former has a liquor license and is more of a "restaurant," unless you sit outside. The latter is in a small strip mall on 71 and has more fans on this board. I think either is fine for simple fried fare, though being able to get drinks makes Klien's our preference. To be honest, however, we are more likely to go to Red's in Point Pleasant for a fried clam and a fried calamari platter and sit outside with a six pack.

Hope this isn't too late. I'll recommend Harpoon Willies near the river off Rt.70 (opens at 2pm) and Wharfside near the beach in Point Pleasant (opens at 3pm), you might also try Europa South in Point Pleasant - I've heard that it's good but haven' tried it yet.

As for markets, there's Wegmans on Rt.35 just north of the Asbury Circle that's pretty good, it would be best to take Rt. 18 to get there if you're good with directions, the Shop Rite on Rt.34 by Brielle is ok, and there's also a cheese shop in Bay Head that's fun to visit: